Living with Osteomyelitis
An infection in a bone that causes bone pain, fever, and swelling, most often from bacteria.
Understanding Osteomyelitis
Any bone can be affected. In children the long bones of the arms and legs are most often infected, while in adults it is mainly the feet, spine, and hips. It is most often caused by bacteria, though fungi can also cause it. Risk factors include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, bone surgery, and a weakened immune system.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says they may include:
- Bone pain
- Fever and chills
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
- Swelling, redness, and warmth at the site
- An open wound
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is most often caused by a bacterial infection, though a fungal infection can also cause it. Risk factors include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, bone surgery, intravenous drug use, and a weakened immune system.
Also known as: bone infection; om - osteomyelitis; osteomyelitis (disease); ostm - osteomyelitis; pyogenic inflammation of bone
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Osteomyelitis.
Explore research for Osteomyelitis
Explore actively recruiting Osteomyelitis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Osteomyelitis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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